B2verb1K

Rub

UK /["/rʌb/","/rʌbz/","/rʌbd/","/ˈrʌbɪŋ/"]/US /["/rʌb/","/rʌbz/","/rʌbd/","/ˈrʌbɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to move your hand, a cloth, etc., backwards and forwards over a surface while pressing it

In simple words: to move something back and forth against a surface

Examples

  • I like to rub lotion into my skin after a shower.
  • He decided to rub the magic lamp to see if a genie would appear.
  • Make sure to rub the paint evenly on the canvas.
  • She couldn't help but rub her eyes after staying up late.
  • Be careful not to rub too hard, or you'll damage the surface.
  • The mechanic said he had to rub off the rust before painting.
  • During the race, he managed to rub out several competitors.
  • After the argument, she tried to rub away her hurt feelings.
  • He used a cloth to rub the dirt off the car's windshield.
  • If you rub that area too much, it may become sore.

Usage notes

Use 'rub' in both casual and more formal contexts. It's appropriate for both physical actions (like rubbing lotion on skin) and figurative uses (like rubbing someone the wrong way). Avoid in very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

rub + object + against + surface

Memory hint

Think of a 'rubber' being stretched and moving back and forth.

Collocations

  • hard
  • vigorously
  • well
  • begin to
  • against
  • at
  • into
  • hard
  • vigorously
  • well
  • begin to
  • against
  • at
  • into
  • hard
  • vigorously
  • well
  • begin to
  • against
  • at
  • into

Synonyms

  • stroke
  • massage
  • friction
  • scrub
  • caress

Antonyms

  • pull
  • push
  • release

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'wipe' — 'rub' implies a friction motion.
  • Using 'rub' instead of 'scrub' for cleaning deeply.
  • Saying 'rub of' instead of 'rub against'.